As Ford eyes Trump, opposition parties say Ontario’s doctor shortage must remain in focus during election

Addressing Ontario’s Growing Doctor Shortage: A Priority in the Upcoming Provincial Election

As the province of Ontario gears up for an imminent election, opposition parties are emphasizing the critical need to address the growing doctor shortage. Premier Doug Ford’s attempt to shift the focus of the election towards a fight against U.S. President Donald Trump and his tariff threats is being met with resistance from the Ontario Liberals, New Democrats, and Greens. The recent events in Walkerton, Ontario, where hundreds of individuals braved the cold in hopes of securing a family doctor, highlight the government’s shortcomings in healthcare.

The push to establish the political narrative for the upcoming campaign comes as sources confirm Doug Ford’s intention to call a provincial election on Jan. 29, with voters heading to the polls on Feb. 27. Liberal health critic Dr. Adil Shamji asserts that while Ford may try to steer the conversation towards Trump and tariffs, the pressing issue of healthcare cannot be overlooked. The scenes from Walkerton underscore the failures in healthcare, housing, and cost of living under Ford’s leadership.

Last week, hundreds of people lined up outside a Royal Canadian Legion in Walkerton from the early hours of the morning, hoping to secure a spot as one of the 500 patients of a new doctor in the community. Many shared stories of enduring long waits at local emergency departments for basic medical needs, such as prescription refills. The lack of access to primary care providers has also led to challenges in receiving necessary surgeries or referrals to specialists.

The Ontario Medical Association has issued a stark warning that 2.5 million Ontarians currently do not have a family doctor, a number expected to rise to over 4.4 million by 2026. NDP Leader Marit Stiles emphasizes the desperation felt by individuals seeking a family doctor and criticizes the government’s failure to address the doctor shortage over the past six and a half years. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner describes Ontario’s healthcare system as being on the brink of collapse under Ford’s administration.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones declined an interview request but her spokesperson highlighted the government’s increased investment in connecting people to primary care. Dr. Jane Philpott has been appointed to lead a new primary care action team with the goal of ensuring every Ontarian has access to a primary care provider within the next five years. Despite these efforts, the province continues to fall short in addressing the pressing need for more doctors and nurses, particularly in rural and northern areas.

The President of the Ontario Medical Association, Dr. Dominik Nowak, draws attention to the dire situation faced by physicians and patients alike, likening it to scenes from “The Hunger Games.” Dr. Jobin Varughese, President of the Ontario College of Family Physicians, stresses the importance of lightening doctors’ administrative burdens, implementing new technologies like AI for note-taking, and fostering a team-based approach to healthcare. The focus must be on finding swift and effective solutions to ensure every Ontarian has access to a family physician.

As Ontario prepares for the upcoming election, the issue of the doctor shortage must take center stage. The health and well-being of Ontarians depend on a robust and accessible healthcare system, and it is imperative that political leaders prioritize this critical issue in their platforms and policies.